Things haven’t been the easiest around these here parts for over a month or so, as you all know. Barfing (with bonus diarrhea!) and dark days and anxiety and work stuff and and then I just had to laugh at it all.

(My Dad told me that he’s been telling that story to his coworkers and bus passengers. He’s a bus driver for a charter service, and loves to tell stories. And groan-worthy puns. Apple, tree, etc.)

While I wrote about a number of things that I am thankful for, I thought that an update on ALL OF THE THINGS might be in order. Nobody seems to like to talk on the phone anymore, 140 characters isn’t enough, Matthew is still away (He’s back tomorrow!)(THANKS BE), and the kids are in bed. So here I am. Hi.

Speaking of the kids being in bed, this is what bedtime looks like this week.

Two kids in my bed with me, one on a mattress on the floor next to me. I do what I can to keep the fear factor to a minimum. Both doors (one to downstairs, one to the deck) are locked. I say nothing to my kids about my own fears, but they have their own. So, we barricade ourselves. It’s kind of fun, rib-kicking aside (hover over the photo to see what I’m talking about).

Let’s talk about Nathan. Nathan. NATHAN. There were eleven days of what I can only describe as dark and sad. This child of mine, he with the green eyes flecked with gold, he who lights up when he gets to (He gets! to) hug someone, he who has a special glimmer about him and you can almost hear that chime when the sun sparkles on his big toothy grin. He’s been charming ladies — and men, too — with his inner light since he was but a babe and all of a sudden he was so grey.

He’s shining again. We’ve met with the child psychologist twice and we’ve all learned so much. So much. He’s also been going to school all day and this past week has been taking the school bus again. He’s been playing hockey or marbles at recess and just being him. I knew that things were bad, but hindsight really is 20/20. I was so bad. SO BAD. But it’s BETTER. Case in point: This past Saturday we had plans to go skiing, as we do, and he didn’t have to be handheld with promises that he didn’t have to ski, but could decide when we got there. He wanted to go! Graham had come down with a fever, so Matthew offered to stay home with him so he could get ready to go to his conference. I took the younger two all by my bad self and we had such a great time together.

TEAM NATHAN. Also, TEAM EMILY. I’m so proud of my little ski bunny and how she flies down the hill.

Sunday saw us taking the dogs down to the creek for a walk. Yes, there is snow and ice on the ground, but the sun felt WARM. We all stood in the sun and soaked in its warmth.

Then we came back home, made some hot chocolate, and sat on the grass and soaked up some more sun. Winter and it’s dreariness won’t last forever. It simply can’t.

On that note, one of the many things that brings me down in the winter is that my photography takes a hiatus. When you spend nine (of the ONLY DAYLIGHT) hours in a windowless cave office, there isn’t much time to take, or play with, pretty photos. I’m kind of glad for the Instagram monthly challenges, because they force me to keep on keeping on. But spring is coming, which will soon see me with my Canon slung on my shoulder as we go on our adventures. I did as much on Sunday, and while most of everything was white or brown, I did find some color.

Oh, spring. Please hurry.

As for work, I’m slated to start working from home again the week after I am done at The Firm. I am so excited about this. SO EXCITED. I was the happiest when doing this work before, and know I’ll be happy yet again. I love teaching, I love flexibility, I love being home when my kids get home from school. Two months from now, I’ll be in the sweet (work) spot. I didn’t quite realize how much I wanted it again until I chose that path/the other door closed. Now I just have to get through the next two months.

Nobody has barfed in the last week! Or more! (We won’t talk about the … other end.) Graham did have the fever, and the subsequent cough, but I think we may finally be in the clear (before Murphy’s Law smacks us in the head with a 2 x 4).

I feel good.

We have so many fun times and experiences coming up that I can’t help but feel good. So good. Oh, so good.

Also? I’ve been seriously considering getting one of those Full Spectrum light lamps for light therapy and giving myself a dose every day. Today I woke up and felt so dreary, and I know the weather and lack of sun really does have a lot to do with that.

I think, this is the best example of what you called “Success” life is a matter of ups and down and you never know what comes next, the best thing you can do is to believe with your self and God”because there’s no impossible to him…

I notice they’re keeping you at the Firm for tax season. Oy, I hate tax season! Hope they don’t have you working long days.

And glad to see things are getting better for you and the family now that Spring is coming. We’re near Vancouver, so like you, I suffer through the long dark winters. Last week the sun came out and I swear I danced through the entire day.